John Carlson's surprise retirement leaves Cardinals in a bind at TE

Troy Niklas, last year's second-round pick, and Darren Fells are currently the only tight ends on the team who caught passes in 2014, combining for eight receptions and 109 yards during the regular season.

Cardinals clear TE Troy Niklas (ankle) for team activities

Niklas was placed on injured reserve after undergoing ankle surgery last season.

Cardinals tab Darren Fells to replace Troy Niklas

by Larry Hartstein | Senior Analyst

(11/20/14) With Cardinals tight end Troy Niklas (ankle) on injured reserve, the team will turn to tight end Darren Fells to fill his role, reports Fox Sports. "Darren will take Troy's job, and he's more than capable," coach Bruce Arians said.

"He's shown flashes of being a very dominant blocker. This is a great opportunity for him, and we need him to step up."

Arizona visits Seattle on Sunday.

Cards TE Troy Niklas headed for ankle surgery

by Larry Hartstein | Senior Analyst

(11/18/14) Cardinals tight end Troy Niklas needs surgery after severely spraining his ankle in Sunday's win over the Lions, reports Fox Sports. The team put him on IR on Tuesday.

Troy Niklas is expected to compete with Darren Fells for the Cardinals starting tight end job, and Niklas enters training camp with more upside. He didn't play much as a rookie because of injury in 2014 with just three catches for 38 yards in seven games, but he should see a boost in production this year. That said, Bruce Arians doesn't rely much on his tight ends, and Niklas' Fantasy value is limited. He is not worth drafting in the majority of leagues.
(Updated 6/17/15)